Choosing the perfect shade of pink paint for your home can seem overwhelming with so many options to pick from. But it doesn’t have to be! Here is a comprehensive guide on how to select the ideal pink paint color for your space.
Decide What Shade of Pink You Want
The first step is deciding what shade of pink you want to go with. Here are some of the most popular pink paint colors to consider:
- Baby pink – Extremely light and soft, almost a blushed white. Works well for a nursery.
- Blush pink – A light peachy pink. Provides a romantic, feminine touch.
- Dusty pink – A soft, muted pink with a slightly grayish undertone. Very calming and soothing.
- Salmon pink – A light orange-pink reminiscent of the color of salmon. Warm and inviting.
- Coral pink – A bolder orange-leaning pink. Fun and energetic.
- Fuschia – A vivid, intense pink with purple undertones. Makes a dramatic statement.
- Cotton candy pink – An extremely light, bright, cool pink. Youthful and playful.
Look at pink paint swatches online or in stores to get an idea of which specific shade appeals to you most. Keep in mind the existing colors and style of the room you want to use it in.
Consider the Room and Purpose
The room you choose to paint pink in is an important factor in selecting the right shade. Is it a bedroom, living room, kids’ room or nursery? Do you want an invigorating color or something more relaxing? Here are some pink paint color recommendations for different rooms:
- Living Room – Go for soft, muted pinks like blush, dusty pink or pale salmon so it doesn’t overwhelm as the main gathering spot. Deeper fuschia would work well as an accent wall.
- Bedroom – Blush pink and pale salmon create a peaceful sanctuary. Fuschia adds drama to a bold accent wall.
- Nursery or Little Girl’s Room – Soft baby pink or playful cotton candy pink are perfect for a feminine, whimsical touch.
- Bathroom – Blush pink keeps things fresh but not too girly. Pair with white for a spa aesthetic.
- Dining Room – Coral pink encourages socializing and gives an uplifting dining experience.
- Home Office – Energizing shades like coral pink or fuschia help stimulate productivity.
Think about the purpose of the room and the mood you want to create to help narrow down the exact pink that would work best.
Consider the Lighting
The amount and type of natural and artificial lighting in the room will affect how pink paint colors appear. Here are some lighting tips when choosing pink paint:
- North facing rooms with little natural light should opt for lighter pinks that won’t get drowned out, like blush or baby pink.
- South facing rooms flooded with sunlight can make bold pinks like fuschia pop even more.
- Artificial lighting will amplify brighter pink shades at night. Keep that in mind.
- Complementary colors like green accent pieces can make softer pink walls glow gently.
- Test pink paint swatches at different times of day. The color may shift in changing light.
Test Pink Paint Samples
Never choose a pink paint color without first testing it out on a wall sample. Paint swatches alone don’t give you an accurate idea of how the color will look in a larger area. Here’s how to test pink paint:
- Get several paint sample sizes in pink hues you like. Sample sizes are usually about 8 ounces.
- Paint at least a 3 foot by 3 foot square with each color on your wall.
- Let the samples dry completely before evaluating.
- View the paint test areas at different times of day and night.
- See how the pink interacts with your lighting, furniture and decor.
- Decide on your favorite shade from the samples.
This allows you to see how pink will really look before committing to a whole room. Test samples side by side for easy comparing.
Choosing a Pink Paint Finish
Paint comes in different finishes, each giving a slightly different effect. Keep finish type in mind when selecting a pink shade. Here are some tips:
- Matte – Provides subtle color with a flat, non-reflective look. Works well with both soft and bold pinks.
- Eggshell – With soft glow and velvety texture, great for softer pink walls you want to gently reflect light.
- Satin – A smooth finish with a hint of shine. Ideal for bolder or darker pinks.
- Semi-Gloss – With highest shine, it makes bright colors pop. Use for an intense fuschia feature wall.
Combining different paint finishes can add depth. Use glossier paint on trim and matte walls in complementary pinks.
Choosing Brand and Quality
Higher quality paint brands typically provide better color consistency and coverage. When working with lighter pinks especially, quality matters. Here are some top paint brands to consider:
| Brand | Price Range | Quality Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore | $$$ | Consistent colors, zero VOC options available |
| Sherwin-Williams | $$$ | Beautiful finishes, durable |
| Behr | $-$$ | Affordable, many color options |
| Clare | $$ | Resistant to fading, easy touch-ups |
Get quality paint samples from your top brand contenders during the testing phase. Quality varies, so test them in person before deciding.
Factor in Undertones
All shades of pink have undertones that subtly affect their look. Be aware of the undertone of the pink you choose:
- Cool pinks – Hints of blue or purple, soothing and refreshing
- Warm pinks – Hints of yellow, cozy and cheerful
- Neutral pinks – No strong undertones
Matching existing room colors is easier with similar undertones. For example, pair cool-toned pinks with blue-gray furniture. Neutral pinks offer flexibility.
Get Creative with Pairings
Pink walls don’t have to be all pink. Creative pairings with complementary colors can make the pink really stand out. Here are fresh pink and color combo ideas:
- Blush and navy blue
- Pale pink and sage green
- Salmon and light yellow
- Fuschia and turquoise
- Coral and light gray
- Cotton candy and white
Intersperse these companion colors throughout the room for pops of contrast. For example, use navy curtains or green furniture with soft pink walls.
Add Layers of Pink
Don’t be afraid to use various shades of pink together for extra depth and interest. Try a pink color scheme like:
- Blush walls
- Dusty pink sofa
- Salmon throw pillows
- Deep fuschia area rug
- Baby pink curtains
You can mix patterns too, like florals, stripes and solids together in complementary pinks. The layered look creates a chic, custom feel.
Test Paint Before Committing
Never paint a whole room pink before testing the color first. Here are some smart testing tips:
- Do paint samples, at least 12″ x 12″ in size.
- Look at the samples in natural and artificial light.
- View at different times of day – morning, noon, night.
- Paint sample sections on a few different walls.
- Try samples in separate rooms and compare.
This gives you a foolproof way to preview a pink paint color before taking the full plunge. Test samples prevent paint commitment regrets!
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect pink paint shade may seem tricky, but following this guide will ensure pink success. First, narrow down the exact hue you want based on the room and your style preferences. Remember to account for lighting and other colors in the space. Test multiple premium quality pink paint samples on walls to see colors in action. Finally, look at creative color combinations to make the pink really pop. With this advice, you’re sure to pick a pink paint color you’ll love!
